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SFB 1690:  Disease Mechanisms and Functional Restoration of Sensory and Motor Systems

Subject Area Medicine
Computer Science, Systems and Electrical Engineering
Physics
Term since 2025
Website Homepage
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 528760423
 
Better functional restoration of impaired sensory and motor systems remains an unmet clinical need. Progress towards this goal requires an improved understanding of neural processing of sensory and motor in-formation as well as of the disease mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and network levels. Moreover, harnessing the potential of methods arising from basic research promises new avenues such as for transforming current neuroprostheses using optogenetics. Finally, sensory and motor activities of our nervous system are strongly intertwined, providing further motivation for integrating translational research on sensory and motor systems. This initiative targets disorders of the sensory and motor systems by combining experimental and theoretical neuroscience with medical sciences to understand disease mechanisms and devise novel strategies for functional restoration. In Research Area A, we set out to decipher disease mechanisms. We will target the mechanisms underlying genetic, age-related, and immune-related disorders of the inner ear and the retina and extend to general principles of neural dysfunction. Where feasible, we will employ the fruitful interplay of phenotyping and genotyping in patients and analysis of appropriate disease models. In Research Area B, we will develop innovative approaches for functional restoration of diseased sensory and motor systems and utilize new insights into the function and dysfunction of those systems as well as novel technological opportunities. We will pursue preclinical studies on opto-genetic restoration of auditory, visual, somatosensory, and laryngeal function and on inner ear regeneration, and we will develop smart control strategies for sensory and motor prostheses. Both research areas are closely intertwined, since developing therapeutic approaches in Research Area B requires a deep understanding of the disease mechanisms studied in Research Area A. In fact, some projects address both, disease mechanisms and therapeutic approaches, providing a direct link between both research areas. Altogether, we aim to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches with the help of organoid, rodent, pig, and non-human primate models. Four central (Z) projects as well as established structures of the Göttingen Campus will support our ambitious research and training program. The Z projects will closely collaborate with the scientific projects for state-of-the-art management of preclinical and clinical data (INF) as well as generation of new disease models (Z02) and optoelectronic stimulators (Z03). Training of early career researchers in basic + medical sciences will take advantage of structured training programs for PhD students/postdocs as well as MD students and clinical residents. In summary, this CRC initiative aims to combat dysfunction resulting from sensory + motor disorders and to bring up a new generation of excellent scientists capable of translational research on sensory + motor systems.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres

Current projects

Applicant Institution Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Participating University Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
 
 

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